Fresh leaf indigo workshop

Come and participate in fresh leaf indigo from Jan's dye garden. Pick and use immediately to produce "mermaid" green/blue on a variety of different natural fibres both cloth and yarn
this is a 4 hour workshop so that we can process some woad too into a quick vat as I've an abundance of that blue too as well as making printed fabric with fresh leaf indigo

The photos really don't do justice to the beauty of fresh indigo

within a small group of 4 in Jan's dedicated workshop space there will be ample opportunities for learning and experimenting With the emphasis on hands on making rather than detailed science.

all materials will be provided a selection of silk, linen, cotton and wool fabric and yarn you are welcome to bring any materials you wish to use alongside those provided although colours can not be guaranteed but perfect if you wish to upcycle a small garment with what you have leftover. you can bring your own marigold type multi use gloves if you wish.

refreashments will be provided

You will also leave with a wee bundle of indigo stalks that will only take a week or so to grow roots in water then plant out at home in garden or pot in a sunny spot and within weeks you will be able to harvest your own indigo leaves and repeat your learning more indoor growing at this time of year.
if you also bring a reasonably sized jam jar you can experiment at home with producing purple too

Jan reserves the right to cancel if this workshop has less than 2 participants with refund or alternative dates provided.

The workshop space is at the top of the garden with stone steps so maybe not suitable for anyone with mobility issues .

Jan is planning natural dye classes through the summer so please follow for more information and if you book 2 or more whatever length/cost of workshop you will be invited to a 3rd day session with all others who have done the same, to celebrate your hard work, connect with other like minded and enjoy either slow stitch or weaving with your botanically coloured.

Jan is a trained textile designer specialising in woven textile design. Graduate of SCOT Jan makes contemporary cloth on traditional wooden handlooms using only natural fibres, industrial waste and her own fully traceable wool from hill to home preferring to celebrate the natural colour of the fleece as well as colouring her own wool in a palette of botanical colour. Jan has been natural dyeing since the 80s and is cultivating a no dig dye garden with quite the variety of dye plants as well as foraging for indigenous colours . Jan loves crafts of all kinds especially textiles , printing as well as sewing having been an artist in residence for the nhs and also a FE lecturer in art, design and life long learning in past occupations. Jan is also a core team member of Fibreshed Scotland.